WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (THECOUNT) — Winston Salem, North Carolina couple, Shawn Dereck Arthur, 54, and Karen Bibb Arthur, 38, were killed early Sunday morning after a BMW struck their disabled vehicle along the US 311 and Interstate 40 West exit ramp in Winston-Salem, according to authorities.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 1:59 a.m. Sunday, May 17, in Forsyth County, located in north-central North Carolina.
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According to the Winston-Salem Police Department, officers responded to the area of US 311 and the Interstate 40 West exit ramp after receiving reports of a crash.
When officers arrived, they found Shawn and Karen Arthur dead at the scene.
Investigators said the couple had been inside a disabled 2008 Toyota that was stopped on the right shoulder of the exit ramp.
Authorities stated a 2013 BMW traveling in the area left the roadway to the right for reasons that remain under investigation and collided with the stopped Toyota.
Police have not publicly identified the driver of the BMW.
Authorities also have not released information regarding whether the BMW driver sustained injuries in the crash.
The collision prompted a significant overnight emergency response as police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and crash investigators secured the scene and documented evidence along the exit ramp.
Traffic in the area was affected during the early morning hours while investigators processed the crash site and crews removed the involved vehicles.
Investigators have not publicly stated what caused the BMW to leave the roadway.
Authorities also have not released information regarding possible speed, impairment, distraction, or weather conditions at the time of the collision.
The Winston-Salem Police Department Traffic Enforcement Unit is leading the ongoing investigation into the deadly crash.
No additional information has been released by authorities at this time.
Fatal crashes involving disabled vehicles stopped along highway shoulders remain a serious concern for roadway safety officials nationwide.
Law enforcement agencies routinely remind motorists to move disabled vehicles as far from active traffic lanes as possible and to use hazard lights or emergency warning devices while awaiting assistance.
The Winston-Salem Police Department has not announced whether additional findings or charges could result from the investigation.
Google Maps: US 311 and Interstate 40 West exit ramp, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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